Re-Connecting the Dots (with Before & After Pant Alterations)

Just when I thought I was done buying polka dots, I saw these pants at Banana Republic and was smitten. So many times, polka dot pants seemed gimmicky to me, but something about these felt otherwise. The dots were just the right size and color, and I appreciate the waffled texture. The pants come fully lined, which is very welcome when it comes to white bottoms.

The blue suede Manolo Blahnik point toe pumps are one of the current favorites in my shoe wardrobe, so much so that I found myself wishing for the same style in black. After shopping around and considering cheaper options, these Kate Spade “Licorice Too” pumps are clear winners. Nearly identical to the Manolo Blahnik BB in design and heel height, and a great fit for this narrow footed-girl. I also tried the J.Crew Everly, and while they were very nice, the Kate Spades won me over immediately by comparison. For fit reference, I took a size 34.5 in the BBs and have them padded to fit better (sized down one half size). I took a size 5 in these Kate Spades, and don’t need any pads (true to my normal shoe size). I took a size 5.5 in the J.Crew Everly, and would need ball-of-foot pads to better fill the toe box which was a little wide for my narrow foot (sized up one half size).

The pants, as per usual, needed a little tailoring. A good fit in the front and rise, these needed an adjustment at the waist gap, and I wanted a slimmer leg-line than off the rack. For $28 at my local tailor, I had both adjustments made. Here is a quick look at the pants before taking them to the tailor (I’m holding them up by the waist gap in the pic to the left):

Outfit details – J.Crew blouse :: Banana Republic pants :: Banana Republic belt :: Kate Spade shoes :: Chanel handbag :: Kate Spade watch :: Stella & Dot bracelet (c/o) & necklace (c/o) :: Daisy Knights ring

Altered – Banana Republic pants have been slimmed & the waist taken in :: Kate Spade watch has had the strap replaced